Pepe Reina: Athlete's Biography

Club Career

Barcelona

Reina made his La Liga debut for Barcelona during the 2000–01 season when he was just 18, stepping in after injuries to the first team goalkeepers. This experience allowed him to gain invaluable top-flight European football experience, including appearances in the UEFA Cup.

Villarreal

In 2002, Reina transferred to Villarreal, where he played for three seasons. His time there was marked by helping the club achieve a milestone by qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time.

Liverpool

Reina's major career breakthrough came when he joined Liverpool in 2005. His debut was in the 2005 UEFA Super Cup, which Liverpool won. Reina quickly established himself as the team's first-choice goalkeeper, renowned for his shot-stopping abilities, particularly highlighted when he saved three penalties in the 2006 FA Cup final. During his tenure at Liverpool, Reina set multiple club records for clean sheets and won several individual awards, including the Premier League Golden Glove three times.

Loan to Napoli

The 2013–14 season saw Reina on loan at Napoli, where he reunited with Rafael Benítez. He contributed to winning the Coppa Italia during his season-long loan.

Bayern Munich

In 2014, Reina transferred to Bayern Munich, spending one season there and making history as the first goalkeeper to play in four of Europe's top leagues.

Return to Napoli and Subsequent Career

Reina returned to Napoli in 2015, remaining until 2018, and then moved to AC Milan, where he largely served as a backup goalkeeper. In 2020, he joined Lazio before returning to Villarreal in 2022 and later transferring to Como in 2024.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Reina's international journey began with success at the youth level, where he won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship with Spain in 1999.

Senior National Team

Reina debuted for Spain's senior team in 2005 and was part of the squads that won major tournaments, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championships in 2008 and 2012. Though often serving as a backup to Iker Casillas, Reina's presence in the squad was influential, and he played a key role in Spain's golden era of football.

José Manuel 'Pepe' Reina Páez is a distinguished Spanish professional footballer renowned for his expertise as a goalkeeper. As of the latest update, he plays for Serie A club Como, showcasing a career marked by significant achievements and contributions both at the club level and on the international stage. Reina is celebrated for his consistency, technical skills, and record-breaking performances, making him one of Spain's most notable goalkeepers.

Achievements

Team Achievements

• UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2003, 2004 (Villarreal)
• FA Cup: 2005–06 (Liverpool)
• Coppa Italia: 2013–14 (Napoli)
• FIFA World Cup: 2010 (Spain)
• UEFA European Championship: 2008, 2012 (Spain)

Individual Achievements

• Premier League Golden Glove: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08

Awards and Recognition

Reina’s contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the prestigious Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit in 2011.

Career Overview

Reina's career has been characterized by his consistency and professionalism. His contributions to club successes, particularly at Liverpool, and his role in Spain's golden football era underscore his impact on the sport.

Off the Field

Aside from his footballing career, Reina has been actively involved in the community. Known for his vibrant personality, he is celebrated for his jovial presence in locker rooms and in public appearances.

Personal Life

Reina married Yolanda Ruiz in 2006, and they have five children together. Known for his infectious humor, Reina has continually charmed teammates and fans alike through various off-pitch activities, including participating in Spain's victory celebrations and, humorously, as a masked singer on Spanish television.